More than three months after becoming the first RCMP detachment in Canada to launch a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, Red Deer RCMP is already seeing the impact of real-time aerial response on public safety, officer safety, and emergency operations.
Launched on June 18, 2026, the DFR program deploys drones to calls for service with responding personnel, providing real-time information to incident commanders, supervisors, and frontline responders as situations unfold. DFR does not replace police officers or the need for officers to respond. Rather, it provides another tool to help officers respond more safely and effectively. In some circumstances, the information provided by the drone may also help police determine that the situation is different from what was initially reported, allowing resources and tactics to be adjusted accordingly. This early situational awareness allows officers to better assess evolving events before arriving on scene, supporting safer, more informed operational decisions, and enhancing both public and officer safety.
Since its launch, the DFR has been deployed to approximately 324 calls for service, supporting officer response to calls such as break and enters, stolen vehicles, and suspicious persons. By providing an immediate aerial perspective, the program has enhanced situational awareness, supported operational decision-making, and assisted emergency responders in assessing incidents as they arrive on scene.
Unlike emergency vehicles, drones travel directly to the location of a call and are not impacted by traffic, road conditions, or distance. This allows trained drone pilots to rapidly assess situations, relay critical information to responders, and assist with resource deployment decisions in real time.
The DFR is operated by specially trained RCMP drone pilots who maintain constant communication with responding personnel throughout an incident. The information gathered from the air helps improve risk assessments, identify potential hazards, and enhance both officer and public safety.
"The Drone as First Responder program has already demonstrated how technology can strengthen emergency response and improve public safety," said Superintendent Holly Glassford, Officer in Charge of Red Deer RCMP. “When deployed to a high-risk call, the drone can provide real-time aerial information to responding officers and supervisors, helping them better understand what is occurring and make informed decisions about how to safely approach and manage the incident.”
DFR is also used to support Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES). In recent weeks, DFR has assisted RDES with responses to two fires in forested areas, providing responding crews with real-time aerial intelligence as they arrived on scene. In both incidents, the pilot was able to assess the size and scope of the fires and direct crews to the exact location, improving situational awareness, response efficiency, and fire medic safety.
“The Drone as a First Responder program provides RDES with earlier situational awareness as we respond to an unfolding emergency,” said Acting Fire Chief Curtis Schaefer. “Whether it is a fire, river rescue, or another type of emergency, the drone can provide valuable information to our crews before they arrive on scene. It is also helpful in identifying the location and extent of brush fires, particularly in Red Deer’s forested and natural areas.”
The DFR program complements Red Deer RCMP's existing Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) program, which continues to support search and rescue operations, major investigations, suspect apprehensions, and other specialized policing activities. While RPAS is a mobile tool police can use while on scene or dispatched to a call, the DFR model allows a drone to be launched from the detachment rooftop as officers are simultaneously dispatched on the ground, often giving police an early view of the scene and critical information to support a safer, more informed response.
The launch and continued success of the DFR program is the result of strong collaboration between Red Deer RCMP and the City of Red Deer, with support from Alberta RCMP Operational Communications Centre and Alberta RCMP Air Services.
Not only has the program showcased the benefits of innovative technology in emergency response, but it has also highlighted the strength of partnerships committed to enhancing public safety in Red Deer. The Red Deer DFR Program is strengthening frontline policing through innovation, collaboration, and community investment.
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